~~~Soraya~~~
My dad’s name flashed on the screen like a warning siren. I stared at it, frozen, until Declan gently took the phone from my hand again.
“I’ve got this,” he said quietly, then answered on speaker.
“Mr. Rivera, it’s Declan.”
The voice that came through was tight with anger and confusion.
“Turn on the news right now. They’re saying your marriage is fake. They have documents. Soraya, are you there?”
“I’m here, Dad,” I said, my voice barely holding together.
Declan’s hand found mine and squeezed hard.
“Sir, this is exactly what we warned you about last night. Someone is blackmailing us. They’re releasing twisted information to hurt us. None of it changes how I feel about your daughter.”
I leaned into Declan’s side, letting him carry most of the weight. He stayed calm an
